How to gain access to the facility

  • STEP 1: Talk to facility staff
  • STEP 2: Prepare animal protocol
    • A new animal protocol or an amendment to the existing animal protocol should be approved by ACC at UIC for the animal models to be imaged in the PIC facility. More information and details can be obtained from the facility staff listed above.
  • STEP 3: iLab account
  • STEP 4: Experiment design and scanning protocol setup
    • At this stage, the user works with facility staff or director to set up the imaging protocols.
    • Sometimes, MRI techniques might not be available on the system and/or need further development. The user can collaborate with our staff to develop these techniques if they prefer to do so. Our team can help with the experiment design if necessary. The details of the experimental design and technical development can be found in the collaboration policy section.
  • STEP 5: Imaging services
    • The facility provides flexible ways of services (details listed on our iLab website). The two significant services include:
      • Imaging performed by facility staff
      • Imaging performed by the user.
    • Different rates will apply for the two services (please refer to the rate policy). The user needs to finish a certain level of training (STEP 6 and 7) and a time of Service 1 if they prefer to use Service 2.
    • The services can be finished based on the project, which needs to be discussed with the facility director.
  • STEP 6: Animal handling training
    • The user needs to be trained by BRL staff and get approval for animal handling before performing MRI scanning by themself.
  • STEP 7: Facility training
    • Our facility staff must train the user before performing any imaging studies. This training will cover necessary knowledge and operations procedures and safety-related topics, such as MRI basics and MRI safety. After training, the user still needs to be trained in Service 1 to gain enough experience to operate the systems safely before getting permission for Service 2.
  • STEP 8: Scheduling
    • Scheduling is available through iLab for approved users.
  • STEP 9: Non-UIC users
    • Non-UIC users need to discuss with Dr. Weiguo Li, the facility director, the logistics for animal imaging in the facility.

Rates and instrument usage fees